Candy Coated Razor Blades

Lyrics

[Verse 1] Got a gift, got a trick up my sleeve Couldn't make it onstage, went behind the scenes Got a resume can drop a few names Got nothing to say but can talk for days Got that it factor, good at the chitter chatter, persuade, and flatter Rock stars and actors Always someone else more cunning and craftier Young blood, with new tricks and stunts Bigwigs, with big sticks and guns Keep you on your toes with your hands on your holsters You can bump heads or you can rub shoulders Flattery's a weapon, gunshot wink Full contact sport the town plays dirty Busted and bloody stay hungry and thirsty We've come a long way and don't plan to leave Only so much space, we all can't stay Limited funds, limited accolades And a friend ain't a friend if there's nothing to gain Or a potential influencer to entertain We all migrate for our piece of the pie Use up the resources till the well is dry The weak never stay only the strong survive And if you don't learn the game kiss away the goodbye Push your way to the front of the line Are you on the guest list Act like you belong even when you're not welcome So ambitious And the good guys don't seem to get ahead Graveyards and skeletons This city was built brick by brick By people willing to abuse it [Chorus] When does hustling make you desperate When does hustling make you reckless When does hustling turn to begging When does hustling leave you helpless Smile in my face Candy coated razor blades (x2) [Verse 2] Media execs dust a rolodex Big fish swimming in a dried up pond Living off past success Everyone paranoid of keeping a job Old money middlemen Got a lifestyle that needs maintaining Better know the hand you're shaking Better know the deal you're making Times are changing industry's hurting Gatekeepers lost the keys Faking power moves chasing prestige Talking about your next move sounds like the last thing Look busy, got places to be The bullshit's exhausting, no rest for the weary By any necessary to maintain relevance Blow with the wind Got everyone around look confused and convinced Masters of deception Good idea they'll take the credit Don't take it personal, it's just business Made taking a shit sound like a strategic initiative These positioners has cast a long shadow Talk a big game, and blow their smoke Poison your drink then propose a toast There's an art to getting ahead, don't you know Well it can make you anxious give you two faces So much passion wasted If sincerity's in your voice hold it sacred [Chorus] When this hustling make you desperate When this hustling make you reckless When this hustling turn to begging When this hustling leave you helpless Smile in my face Candy coated razor blades (Repeat x4)